lava

noun

la·​va ˈlä-və How to pronounce lava (audio) ˈla- How to pronounce lava (audio)
: molten rock that issues from a volcano or from a fissure in the surface of a planet (such as earth) or moon
also : such rock that has cooled and hardened
lavalike adjective

Examples of lava in a Sentence

a flow of molten lava
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s also plenty of scenes of Floyd’s members hiking around volcanic lava from nearby Mount Vesuvius, which erupted in 79 A.D., burying the city. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2025 Each time, the volcano has sent lava shooting high into the sky from caldera vents, creating a dramatic sight for park visitors. CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025 Video shared on social media captured the lava shooting up and flowing on the ground. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 Overlooking the historic city of Antigua, located around 9.3 miles northeast of the Acatenango summit, the Fuego volcano is known for its frequent eruptions, often sending clouds of ash and lava flows down its slopes. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lava

Word History

Etymology

Italian, ultimately from Latin labes fall; akin to Latin labi to slide — more at sleep

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lava was in 1759

Cite this Entry

“Lava.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lava. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

lava

noun
la·​va ˈläv-ə How to pronounce lava (audio) ˈlav- How to pronounce lava (audio)
: melted rock coming from a volcano
also : such rock that has cooled and hardened

More from Merriam-Webster on lava

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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